2019: Time To Bloom

So. 2019.

I have a feeling it’s going to be a solid year. Granted, I start every year thinking that, but this year feels different. (Okay, I start every year saying that, too.) But here’s the thing – and this is an honest statement despite it sounding totally cheesy – every year has been better than the last. And I’m hopeful that this year will be no different.

*Knock, knock* (That’s me knocking on wood now that I typed that.)

I’m going into 2019 a little wiser than the year behind me, and more naive than this year will make me. A great position to be in, if you ask me.

Yet, I will say that despite my glass-half-full mentality, I really don’t know what to expect from the year ahead. Life has a way of throwing curve balls at us — things like unexpectedly getting pregnant with Grace quickly after getting married, or presenting some of the biggest life transitions at us all within a few months like what happened this past year — but that’s the way it goes.

Maybe this year will bring wild success beyond my imagination. Maybe it’ll be a slow and steady growth. Or, maybe I’ll pivot from the path I’m on now as I continue to learn and grow as an entrepreneur and person. To me, the rules for 2019 are there are no rules. I’m all in on the experience — I’m going to work harder than I ever have, prioritize the things in my life that mean the most, and give it my best. And the chips, as they say, will fall where they may.

Sounds like a loose approach, no? That’s intentional. I always find that the best mentality is to have a flexible framework when it comes to resolutions. Go in with a plan of action, but don’t get too held up on it because of the said curve balls that are guaranteed, as mentioned above.

So. Resolutions.

I’ve had an issue with them for a while now. In fact, last year I wrote a big post all about why I took a break from them. Instead, I went into the year with a key phrase in mind, and I approached it with a start, stop, continue mindset. (Thank you to my amazing sister Mandy for the suggestion last year!)

I can tell you, without fail, that it worked! I feel that I did a good job embracing my key phrase of 2018 – work hard, be nice, stay present – especially amidst lots of big transitions. My start, stop, and continue mindset allowed for me to progress in so many ways over the past year. Here’s a little context as to how.

My start in 2018 was to simplify my life more, which I did in many ways. We left the Chicago, which for us simplified our every day, tactical lives. We moved near family, which helped to strike a better balance with our relationships. I dove into blogging full time, which I’d been working hard on in my off hours for years all while simultaneously working full time, which has allowed for me to be more present in the time that I have with my family. I tried to really listen to and embrace my inner voice and the path it was leading me on.

My stop in 2018 was to not take myself too seriously. I have a tendency to put really high expectations onto myself, both personally and professionally, and in 2018 I strove to let some of those unnecessary expectations go. This is always a battle for me, so I can’t say I was successful every moment, but I do think that simplification as noted above, and keeping being present at the top of mind, really helped for me to let go of a lot of to-do’s that I otherwise would have been set on.

My continue in 2018 was to prioritize my family, and happiness, in each and every way I could. Looking back, I am proud that this mentality shone through in the majority of my decisions and actions.

So. Here’s What’s Next.

A solid start comes with defining solid goals and intentions. This year, I’m embracing the approach that I took last year because it seemed to work very well for me, but I’m also adding in a few very specific goals to help me embrace that approach. A middle ground of the “resolution” and “anti-resolution” mind-frames, if you will.

My 2019 KEY PHRASE is “Bloom Where You Are Planted”

The year of big transitions is now behind me. (Er…I think? Like I said, life throws curve balls!)

Our family is in Michigan. I quit my corporate job. I’m building two businesses. I’m a mother, wife, daughter, and friend. I am planted in many ways, and I see 2019 as my year to continue blooming in those roles.

It’s my year of taking advantage of opportunities as they present themselves. It’s my year of proclaiming, “I’m here and ready.” I’m opening up my arms to the universe for things personally and professionally, and listening to my inner voice, in hopes that the combination of the two will provide me with the exact path I’m supposed to be on. They haven’t steered me wrong so far, so I’m trusting in them to continue to guide me to bloom on this journey. #HippieAtHeart

In 2019 I will START prioritizing + executing key ideas.

I’m a dreamer by nature, and I’m also a big idea person. Ideas come frequently and naturally for me, which I’m so grateful for, but the problem with that is that I often have so many that they can be overwhelming when it comes time to take action. Truth be told, one thing I’ve found to be a flaw of mine lies in the overall execution of things. I try to do too much, all at once, and I’ve found that this approach leads to overcommitment and a lack of doing anything well. I can’t do everything. It’s necessary to edit, both literally and figuratively. (Remember my goal of simplification, mentioned prior? Always a struggle for me!)

In 2019, I’m going to keep the ideas flowing, but be more selective on those that I prioritize and execute against, to ensure that the ones I do put efforts toward are made successful.

In 2019 I will STOP adhering to the norm.

One thing I’ve found myself doing a lot lately is questioning things. Questioning things like status quos for mothers as a whole, what it means to be an entrepreneur, and even standards placed on industries such as blogging. I’ve even been questioning what my purpose is within this space, and what value I’d like to bring.

I find that it’s been so easy in life to do what others do. It’s expected. Normal. Safe. But it’s also kind of…basic. I’ve begun to really appreciate the Steve Jobs way of, “Think different.” (My favorite ad of all time.) Pave your own path and divert from the norm, because that’s the place where you will find your true purpose, value and growth.

In 2019, I will be making a more conscious effort to stop adhering to the norm, just because that’s what I “should be doing” or is “What’s expected”. With every area in my life — from the most important areas such as motherhood, to my personal goals areas such as creating content — I want to focus on identifying what the norm is, question it, see where holes may be, and embrace paving the path that feels right for me. I really think that will be key for growth personally and professionally, this year and beyond.

In 2019 I will CONTINUE to be grateful.

Life is so good. I personally have been blessed beyond belief — more than I probably deserve — and I continually find myself reflecting on the amazing people in my life in awe.

I’ve been meaning to write a post diving into this further, but in 2018 I rediscovered my faith in a lot of ways. This path has led me to really reflect on and appreciate all that I have. I’m so grateful for my family. My children. My husband. For all of our health, opportunity and our home. To live in this day and age. For, quite literally, the chance to wake up every day and be alive in this world. Also, for every single one of you. For far too much to type here.

I’d love to be successful, but at the end of the day, what matters most are the people around me. And I will continue to embrace this in 2019, and practice my gratitude with intentional actions for those around me.

In 2019, I will accomplish these important GOALS.

I feel that all these tap into and elevate my start, stop, continue in different ways.

• Identify 2 – 3 “Big Ideas” for Isn’t That Charming. Focus on those and execute them to the fullest extent.
• Travel to 3 places I’ve never been.
• Put down my phone when I’m with my kids.
• Go to church once a month.
• Once a month, visit a place in Detroit that I’ve never been.
• Join a charity or volunteer organization and become an active member throughout the year.
• Run another half marathon.

With all the above in mind — my key phrase, my start, stop and continue, and my specific goals — I believe that 2019 will be all that I hope for it to be!

Are you a resolution person? What do you resolve for in 2019? If you embrace the notion of a key phrase, or a start, stop and continue, what are they? I’d love to hear in the comments below!